Phillies' Aaron Nola Begins Triple-A Rehab Start After Injury

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola is preparing to make a rehabilitation start with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs as he recovers from a sprained right ankle and a stress fracture in his right rib, injuries that sidelined him since mid-May. Nola recently completed a 56-pitch live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium, displaying good command and pitch variety, and is expected to throw around 60 pitches in his initial rehab outing before gradually building up to 90 pitches over several starts. The 32-year-old right-hander has struggled this season with a 1-7 record and a 6.16 ERA prior to his injury but is optimistic about finishing strong and contributing to the Phillies' success. Manager Rob Thomson and teammates have expressed confidence in Nola's readiness to return to game action, noting the importance of his lower body health in his pitching mechanics. Nola described the recovery process as smooth and emphasized his eagerness to get back on the mound to help the team. If the rehab progresses as planned, Nola could rejoin the Phillies' rotation by mid-August.